Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn’t believe in anything that can’t be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia’s help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy’s own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

Sometimes I think I should give up all other genres and just read middle-grade fiction. This book reinforced that thought process. I love it when you can become absorbed in a magical fantasy to the point where all of your stresses and worries fade into the background.

I liked the interactions between the characters in this book, especially Ophelia and the boy, and the interesting descriptions of the relationship between Ophelia and her sister. These characters reminded me somewhat of those in C.S. Lewis’ novels. The abundant feeling of hope and friendship in this story made it one that I shall not soon forget.

One of the things that I particularly found appealing about this book was the way the characters discovered things. I thought the writing in these sections of the book was very original and did not follow the paths I had seen taken before. Items are important in this type of novel and in keeping with that idea, it was refreshing to see that the kids in this book had to use some intellect in order to solve their problems and find what they were looking for.

Children of all ages would enjoy this story. Long enough to keep an older child entertained, yet this book could be read in chapters to a younger child as well.

Overall, I was impressed and am happy to recommend it.

This review is based on a digital ARC, provided by Netgalley and the publisher for the express purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

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Me Me Me

book blogger and reviewer, mother of four boys, classical pianist and amateur photographer. I love reading, writing, music and learning to cook new and unusual dishes.
You can usually find me with my nose buried in a book unless I have the opportunity to be walking on the beach collecting seashells:)